Converting MIDI files into a playable music Nintendo 64 (N64) cartridge involves several steps, including preparing your MIDI files, converting them into a format compatible with the N64’s audio system, assembling an N64 ROM, and finally flashing the ROM onto a physical cartridge. This process is more complex than for earlier consoles due to the N64’s advanced architecture and the scarcity of development tools. Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
Note: Developing for the N64 is complex due to proprietary hardware and limited documentation. The community-driven tools may have limitations.
1. Simplify the MIDI File
The N64’s audio system can handle complex audio, but to ensure compatibility:
Recommended MIDI Editors:
1. Install MIPS Compiler Toolchain
Install GCC for MIPS:
2. Install libdragon
libdragon is an open-source SDK for N64 development.
3. Set Up Development Environment
1. Understand N64 Audio Format
2. Use Sequencer Tools
Seq64 is a tool for handling N64 audio sequences.
3. Convert MIDI to N64 Sequence
Import MIDI into Seq64:
Export as N64 Sequence File (.seq)
1. Convert Instrument Samples
The N64 uses instrument samples stored in a sound bank.
Extract Samples from MIDI (if necessary):
Prepare Samples in AIFF or WAV Format
Recommended tools:
2. Convert Samples to N64 Format
Use tools like N64 Soundbank Tool to convert samples into a sound bank.
1. Create a libdragon Project
Set up a new project directory.
Project Structure:
project/
├── include/
├── src/
├── assets/
│ ├── music.seq
│ └── soundbank.bin
└── Makefile
2. Place Audio Files
.seq
file and sound bank (soundbank.bin
) into the assets
directory.3. Write the Main Program
Create main.c
in the src
directory:
#include <libdragon.h>
#include <stdio.h>
void audio_callback(int len);
int main(void) {
/* Initialize peripherals */
init_interrupts();
init_audio();
console_init();
console_set_render_mode(RENDER_MANUAL);
/* Load audio data */
/* Implement functions to load your sequence and sound bank */
while(1) {
console_clear();
printf("Playing MIDI on N64\n");
/* Update audio playback */
/* Implement audio playback logic */
console_render();
}
return 0;
}
Note: You’ll need to implement functions to load your sequence and sound bank, and to handle audio playback.
4. Audio Playback Implementation
The N64’s audio system is complex:
Use Existing Audio Libraries
Example Projects
Create a Makefile
in your project directory:
N64_ROM = music.n64
BUILD_DIR = build
SOURCE_DIR = src
ASSETS_DIR = assets
CFILES = $(wildcard $(SOURCE_DIR)/*.c)
OFILES = $(CFILES:$(SOURCE_DIR)/%.c=$(BUILD_DIR)/%.o)
INCLUDE = -I$(SOURCE_DIR) -Iinclude
all: $(N64_ROM)
$(N64_ROM): $(OFILES)
n64tool -l 2M -t "MIDI Player" -h $(BUILD_DIR)/header -o $(N64_ROM) $(OFILES)
$(BUILD_DIR)/%.o: $(SOURCE_DIR)/%.c
@mkdir -p $(BUILD_DIR)
mips64-elf-gcc -c $< -o $@ -std=gnu99 -Wall -O2 $(INCLUDE)
clean:
rm -rf $(BUILD_DIR) $(N64_ROM)
Adjust Compiler and Tools Paths
1. Run the Build Command
Run:
make
music.n64
.2. Troubleshooting
If errors occur, check:
1. Choose an Emulator
2. Load and Test the ROM
music.n64
.1. Obtain a Flash Cartridge
2. Prepare the ROM
3. Transfer the ROM
music.n64
to the SD card used by your flash cartridge.1. Insert the Cartridge
2. Load and Test the ROM
Understand N64 Audio Architecture
Use Existing Libraries
Community Resources
Legal Considerations
Hardware Limitations
By following these steps, you can convert MIDI files into a playable music N64 cartridge:
This process provides a deep dive into N64 development and allows you to experience custom music on original hardware.
Disclaimer: Developing for the N64 involves significant complexity due to proprietary hardware and limited documentation. Always back up your work and proceed with caution when working with hardware and software tools. Respect intellectual property laws when using or distributing music and software.